Jorge Pereyra Diaz leaves Kerala Blasters

The forward is reported to join a middle-east club.

Kerala Blasters, on Monday, announced the departure of Argentina forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz. The 31-year-old was close to returning to the club, perhaps on another loan deal. Sources even claimed that the club had agreed terms with the player. Diaz reportedly has an offer from a middle-east country and is expected to sign there.

The club bid adieu to the Argentinian forward on social media. "Thank You Jorge Pereyra Diaz for all the moments of jubilation you've given us over the past year," the post from Kerala Blasters said. "Wishing you only the best as you embark upon a new journey."

Diaz played an instrumental role in Kerala Blasters' top-notch performance last season. Alongside Alvaro Vazquez, the Argentine netted eight goals in Indian Super League 2021-22 and also assisted once. He made 21 appearances for the Men in Yellow in total.

He joined the club last season on loan from Club Atletico Platense of Argentina. Diaz combined beautifully with Adrian Luna, Vazquez and Sahal Abdul Samad to take Ivan Vukomanovic's side to the final.

Diaz played all but two games for Kerala Blasters last season and was instrumental in helping the club produce its best-ever campaign. He finished only behind Luna (13) and Vazquez (10) with nine-goal combinations. Diaz also received the highest number of bookings for a KBFC player with seven yellow cards and was sent off once.

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Kerala Blasters’ preparation for ISL 2022/23

After finishing the Indian Super League 2021/22 as the runners-up for the third time in their history, Ivan Vukomanovic's side will be looking forward to grab an accolade this time. Their pre-season plans are yet to be fulfilled. The management haven't yet taken a decision on their travel abroad. Initially, however, their pre-season will commence in Kochi. They may fly to a different country for some enhancement in the preparations.

The club announced the signing of Apostolos Giannou a few days back. He is their first foreign signing this season. Kerala Blasters have also extended the contracts of Adrian Luna, Jeakson Singh, Marko Leskovic, Bijoy Varghese, Sandeep Singh, Karanjit Singh and Prabhsukhan Gill. Youngsters Bryce Miranda, Saurav Mandal have joined the club.

Meanwhile, centre-back Enes Sipovic has parted ways and joined Al-Jahra SC. Winger Vincy Barretto who ended as the top scorer for Kerala Blasters in the Reliance Foundation Development League has also shifted base to Chennaiyin FC. In April, the news broke of Alvaro Vazquez leaving the club to join FC Goa.

Thus, it is expected that Kerala Blasters will be bagging a top centre-forward ahead of the upcoming season. Additionally, left-back Sanjeev Stalin has made a move to Mumbai City which included a transfer fee.